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What's better than a solid high-yield savings account? One that comes with a top-tier checking account, too. The SoFi Checking and Savings combo (Member FDIC) is so good, it landed on both our Best High-Yield Savings and Best Checking Accounts lists this year.
With a standout savings APY, seamless cash access, and a full suite of financial products, SoFi® makes it easy to keep everything in one place. If you're comfortable with an online-only bank and can meet the direct deposit requirements, this might be one of the best deals out there. Let's dive in and see if it's the right fit for you.
SoFi Checking and Savings
On SoFi's Secure Website.
On SoFi's Secure Website.
For those who plan to set up direct deposit with their new account, we think SoFi Checking and Savings (Member FDIC) is hard to beat. Not only does this savings account offer a strong APY, but the linked checking account earns an above-average rate, too -- which is a rare perk. Plus, there's the opportunity for a bonus of up to $300¹ and a long list of extra account features. Frankly, it's the kind of combo that could make it worthwhile to switch banking relationships.
You can earn the maximum APY either by making direct deposits into checking or savings, or by depositing $5,000 or more every 30 days. Learn more.
Our ratings are determined by an editorially independent Ratings team. Here's more information about how we scored this product:
SoFi disclosure:
¹ New and existing Checking and Savings members who have not previously enrolled in Direct Deposit with SoFi are eligible to earn a cash bonus of either $50 (with at least $1,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period) OR $300 (with at least $5,000 total Direct Deposits received during the Direct Deposit Bonus Period). Cash bonus will be based on the total amount of Direct Deposit. Direct Deposit Promotion begins on 12/7/2023 and will be available through 1/31/26. See full bonus and annual percentage yield (APY) terms at sofi.com/banking#1.
² SoFi members who enroll in SoFi Plus with Direct Deposit or by paying the SoFi Plus Subscription Fee every 30 days or with $5,000 or more in Qualifying Deposits during the 30-Day Evaluation Period can earn 3.80% annual percentage yield (APY) on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. There is no minimum Direct Deposit amount required to qualify for the stated interest rate. Members without either SoFi Plus or Qualifying Deposits, during the 30-Day Evaluation Period will earn 1.00% APY on savings balances (including Vaults) and 0.50% APY on checking balances. Only SoFi Plus members are eligible for other SoFi Plus benefits. Interest rates are variable and subject to change at any time. These rates are current as of 1/24/25. There is no minimum balance requirement. Additional information can be found at http://www.sofi.com/legal/banking-rate-sheet. See the SoFi Plus Terms and Conditions at https://www.sofi.com/terms-of-use/#plus.
³ We do not charge any account, service or maintenance fees for SoFi Checking and Savings. We do charge a transaction fee to process each outgoing wire transfer. SoFi does not charge a fee for incoming wire transfers, however the sending bank may charge a fee. Our fee policy is subject to change at any time. See the SoFi Checking & Savings Fee Sheet for details at sofi.com/legal/banking-fees/.
⁴ SoFi Bank is a member FDIC and does not provide more than $250,000 of FDIC insurance per depositor per legal category of account ownership, as described in the FDIC’s regulations.
Any additional FDIC insurance is provided by the SoFi Insured Deposit Program. Deposits may be insured up to $3M through participation in the program. See full terms at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/sidpterms. See list of participating banks at SoFi.com/banking/fdic/participatingbanks.
⁵ We’ve partnered with Allpoint to provide you with ATM access at any of the 55,000+ ATMs within the Allpoint network. You will not be charged a fee when using an in-network ATM, however, third-party fees incurred when using out-of-network ATMs are not subject to reimbursement. SoFi’s ATM policies are subject to change at our discretion at any time.
⁶ Early access to direct deposit funds is based on the timing in which we receive notice of impending payment from the Federal Reserve, which is typically up to two days before the scheduled payment date, but may vary.
⁷ Overdraft Coverage is limited to $50 on debit card purchases only and is an account benefit available to customers with direct deposits of $1,000 or more during the current 30-day Evaluation Period as determined by SoFi Bank, N.A. The 30-Day Evaluation Period refers to the “Start Date” and “End Date” set forth on the APY Details page of your account, which comprises a period of 30 calendar days (the“30-Day Evaluation Period”). You can access the APY Details page at any time by logging into your SoFi account on the SoFi mobile app or SoFi website and selecting either (i) Banking > Savings > Current APY or (ii) Banking > Checking > Current APY. Members with a prior history of non-repayment of negative balances are ineligible for Overdraft Coverage.
At Motley Fool Money, we rate savings accounts on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). We evaluate all savings accounts across four main criteria: annual percentage yield (APY), brand and reputation, fees and minimum requirements, and perks that really make a difference -- think ATM access, linked checking accounts, or even branch access.
Our scores are weighted as:
Our aim is to maintain a balanced list featuring top-scoring products from reputable brands offering competitive APYs and standout features. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates bank accounts.
At Motley Fool Money, we rate savings accounts on a five-star scale (1 = poor, 5 = best). We evaluate all savings accounts across four main criteria: annual percentage yield (APY), brand and reputation, fees and minimum requirements, and perks that really make a difference -- think ATM access, linked checking accounts, or even branch access.
Our scores are weighted as:
Our aim is to maintain a balanced list featuring top-scoring products from reputable brands offering competitive APYs and standout features. Learn more about how Motley Fool Money rates bank accounts.
SoFi®'s APY of up to 3.80%² on savings is on par with top banks like American Express and Capital One. But what really sets SoFi® apart? Its checking account also earns interest -- 0.50% APY, which is almost unheard of at banks offering similar savings rates.
Who doesn't love free money? SoFi® sweetens the deal with a $300 cash bonus for new customers who set up a direct deposit of $5,000 or more within 25 days.¹ Even if you deposit between $1,000 and $4,999, you'll still pocket $50. (Terms apply.)
SoFi® keeps it simple -- no monthly fees, no overdraft fees, no ATM fees.³ Unlike some competitors that nickel-and-dime you, SoFi® lets you keep every cent you earn. Plus, there's no minimum balance -- you can open an account and begin saving with just $1.
However, to unlock the full APY, you'll need to meet certain requirements. Otherwise, you'll earn just 1.00% APY -- so it's really only worth it if you can qualify for the top rate.
Need your paycheck faster? With SoFi®, you can get your direct deposit up to two days early -- a rare perk that gives you quicker access to your money.⁶ Just keep in mind that timing depends on your employer's payroll processing.
Do you have first-hand knowledge of SoFi Checking and Savings? Share your thoughts with us and your fellow Motley Fool Money readers.
To earn the full APY of up to 3.80%², you'll need to:
If you don't meet one of these, your rate drops to 1.00% APY, which isn't competitive with the best high-yield savings accounts. That said, setting up any direct deposit is the simplest way to qualify, which should be manageable for most people.
SoFi® is entirely online, meaning there are no physical branches. If you prefer in-person banking, this could be a drawback. You'll need to be comfortable handling everything -- customer support included -- through SoFi®'s app, website, or phone.
If you need to deposit cash, be prepared to pay a fee. Since SoFi® has no physical branches, you'll have to use GreenDot retail locations -- found in places like Walgreens, Safeway, and Walmart -- which charge up to $4.95 per deposit. While it's not a huge cost, having to pay just to add money to your account isn't ideal, especially if you deal with cash often.
Since SoFi® is an online-only institution, good remote support is essential. With SoFi®, you can get help through 24/7 live chat (when logged in), or call the Checking and Savings support line at 855-456-7634 during these hours:
SoFi® is also active on Twitter (@SoFiSupport) if you prefer reaching out there. While there's no in-person service, these options make it easy to get assistance when you need it.
Accessibility is key with an online-only account -- you want to know you can get to your funds when you need them. SoFi® makes it easy, offering several ways to access or move money, most of which come with no fees.
You can deposit funds via electronic transfers, direct deposit, mobile check deposit, or cash deposits at participating GreenDot retail locations. Transfers between your SoFi Checking and Savings accounts are seamless and free, with deposits generally available within one to five business days.
For withdrawals, you can use electronic transfers, physical checks (free upon request), peer-to-peer transfers, or online bill pay. ATM withdrawals at Allpoint ATMs are fee free, though you may face a fee at out-of-network ATMs depending on the operator.⁵ There are daily withdrawal limits of $1,000 for ATMs and $6,000 for debit card purchases.
When it comes to online banking, nothing matters more than knowing your money is safe and accessible. Without the reassurance of in-person branches, you need to trust that your bank has your back -- and SoFi® delivers.
Not only is your cash FDIC insured up to $250,000, but SoFi® goes above and beyond with its Insured Deposit Program, protecting balances up to $3 million when you opt in.⁴ That level of coverage is almost unheard of in the banking world, reinforcing SoFi®'s commitment to top-tier security and peace of mind.
Keep reading: Are Online Banks Safe?
Make sure you're getting the best account for you by comparing savings rates and promotions. Here are some of our favorite high-yield savings accounts to consider.
Account | APY | Promotion | Next Steps |
---|---|---|---|
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Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings
On American Express's Secure Website.
Rating image, 4.00 out of 5 stars.
4.00/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
3.70%
Rate info
3.70% annual percentage yield as of March 21, 2025. Terms apply.
Min. to earn: $0
|
N/A
|
Open Account for American Express® High Yield Savings
On American Express's Secure Website. |
![]()
Open Account for CIT Platinum Savings
On CIT's Secure Website.
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
4.10% APY for balances of $5,000 or more
Rate info
4.10% APY for balances of $5,000 or more; otherwise, 0.25% APY
Min. to earn: $100 to open account, $5,000+ for max APY
|
Earn a bonus of at least $225 after a one-time deposit of $25,000+.
Transfer a one-time deposit of $25,000-$49,999.99 for a bonus of $225. Transfer a one-time deposit of $50,000+ for a bonus of $300. Account must be opened with code PS2025 while this promotion lasts, and funded within 30 days. Bonus will be fulfilled within 60 days from the funding date. There is no period of time where the customer will be required to maintain the funds. Account must be open when bonus is credited. One bonus per account and primary customer. Bonus will be credited into the Platinum Savings Account that fulfills the funding requirement. Funding can be deposited all at once or incrementally.
|
Open Account for CIT Platinum Savings
On CIT's Secure Website. |
![]()
Open Account for Capital One 360 Performance Savings
On Capital One's Secure Website.
Rating image, 4.50 out of 5 stars.
4.50/5
Our ratings are based on a 5 star scale.
5 stars equals Best.
4 stars equals Excellent.
3 stars equals Good.
2 stars equals Fair.
1 star equals Poor.
We want your money to work harder for you. Which is why our ratings are biased toward offers that deliver versatility while cutting out-of-pocket costs.
|
3.70%
Rate info
See Capital One website for most up-to-date rates. Advertised Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is variable and accurate as of Feb. 6, 2025. Rates are subject to change at any time before or after account opening.
Min. to earn: $0
|
N/A
|
Open Account for Capital One 360 Performance Savings
On Capital One's Secure Website. |
The SoFi Checking and Savings account is a great choice for people who are comfortable with online-only banking and want to make their money work harder. Here's who will get the most out of it:
Ready to make your money work for you? Apply for the SoFi Checking and Savings account today and start taking control of your finances.
Yes, you can pay bills directly through online bill pay from your SoFi® account, making it easy to manage your expenses all in one place.
Yes, SoFi® limits ATM withdrawals to $1,000 per day and debit card purchases to $6,000 per day. These limits help ensure security.
Deposited funds are typically available within one to five business days, depending on the type of deposit and when it's processed.
We're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. Motley Fool Money does not cover all offers on the market. Motley Fool Money is 100% owned and operated by The Motley Fool. Our knowledgeable team of personal finance editors and analysts are employed by The Motley Fool and held to the same set of publishing standards and editorial integrity while maintaining professional separation from the analysts and editors on other Motley Fool brands. Terms may apply to offers listed on this page. APYs are subject to change at any time without notice.